looking for a solution

[serenityseeker56]

In the last two months I have experiencing rapid heartrate, excessive body heat, eye problems, lack of concentration.  went to doctor, showed low TSH and raised thyroid hormones.  was put on metoprolol 25 mg to regulate heart rate. Ultrasoundwas ordered, results were right lobe - 3.3 x 2.2 x 2.2 cm, left lobe 4.9 x 1.6 x 1.6 cm. Right lobe has one nodule in the mid lobe measuring 2.4 cm maximal and one in the lower pole measuring 1.7 cm maximal.  Left lobe shows a complex cystic and solid mass in the upper pole measuring 2 cm maximal.  Findings represent Multinodular thyroid with recommendation for nuclear imaging to determine if nodules demonstrate autonomous hyperfunction.  Have been doing lots of research on line and have questions.  Unfortunately, my doc is not in this week to answer any of my questions.  Will the nuclear imaging supply a definite answer as to whether or not cancer is present. Should this test be completed as soon as possible.  Is surgery the best alternative? .

[serenityseeker56]

thanks Red_Star,  RAI-U scan is scheduled for june 15.  For the last two days  i have been having "temple" headaches with lots of pressure on my eyes, do you think that is associated with the thyroid?  From your experience, is it best to see a specialist in endocrinology? Should I wait to find out the results and recommendations from RAI-U or try to get that going now?
.

[serenityseeker56]

thanks barb135,  RAI-U scan is scheduled for june 15.  For the last two days  i have been having "temple" headaches with lots of pressure on my eyes, do you think that is associated with the thyroid?  From your experience, is it best to see a specialist in endocrinology? Should I wait to find out the results and recommendations from RAI-U or try to get that going now?

[serenityseeker56]

I AM NEW TO ALL THIS THYROID INFO, HAVE BEEN BORDERLINE HYPER SINCE 1989.  I KNOW FROM PAST EXPERIENCES, YOU HAVE TO BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE.  SOME OF THE BEST INFO COMES FROM OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS.  IT SOUNDS LIKE THE BOTH OF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE THAT COULD HELP ME, SO THANK YOU BARB AND RED STAR.  IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, IS IT COMMON TO DO THE RAI-U FIRST.   DOES THE SIZE OF NODULES  DICTATE WHETHER THEY SHOULD HAVE FNA COMPLETED? I AM ASSUMING THEY WILL WANT TO DO FNA ON MY COMPLEX CYSTIC AND SOLID MASS.  AS I AM FROM A SMALL CITY, WOULD IT BE BEST TO BE REFERRED TO AN INTERNIST WHO SPECIALIZES IN ENDOCRINOLOGY?

[Red_Star]

Nuclear Scan/Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAI-U) is most commonly used to find the cause of hyperthyroidism.  RAI-U results can give a probability that a nodule is benign or malignant.  A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is the only non surgical method that can differentiate between malignant and benign nodules in most cases.

[Barb135]

Sometimes nodules can produce hormones, independently of the thyroid.  It sounds like this is what they are trying to determine.  

Excerpt from: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=thyroiduptake

"The thyroid scan is used to determine the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland. The thyroid uptake is performed to evaluate the function of the gland. A whole-body thyroid scan is typically performed on people who have had thyroid cancer.

A physician may perform these imaging tests to:

  *  determine if the gland is working properly
  *  help diagnose problems with the thyroid gland, such as an overactive thyroid gland, a condition called hyperthyroidism, cancer or other growths
  *  assess the nature of a nodule discovered in the gland
   * detect areas of abnormality, such as lumps (nodules) or inflammation
  *  determine whether thyroid cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland
  *  evaluate changes in the gland following surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy